
Zesty Green Lentil Croquettes with Carrot Ginger Slaw and Tahini Herb Sauce
Ready to spice up your mealtime? These Zesty Green Lentil Croquettes are crispy, flavorful bites of pure joy! Paired with a vibrant carrot ginger slaw and creamy tahini herb sauce, this dish is a flavor-packed adventure you’ll crave again and again. Let’s get cooking!
4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- •1 cup green lentils, cooked and drained
- •1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- •1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- •1 small onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- •1/4 tsp chili flakes
- •1 tsp salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
- •2 tbsp olive oil for frying
- •2 cups grated carrot
- •1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- •2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- •1 tbsp honey
- •1/4 cup tahini
- •2 tbsp lemon juice
- •1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
- •2 tbsp water (for sauce)
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for sauce)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the green lentils according to package instructions, then drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until it holds together but still has some texture.
- 4
Shape the lentil mixture into small patties or croquettes, about 2 inches in diameter.
- 5
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the croquettes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 6
To prepare the carrot ginger slaw, combine the grated carrot, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a medium bowl. Toss well to coat and set aside for the flavors to meld.
- 7
For the tahini herb sauce, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed, and season with salt to taste.
- 8
Serve the green lentil croquettes warm, topped with the carrot ginger slaw and drizzled with the tahini herb sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
350 calories
Protein
12g
Carbs
35g
Fat
18g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of lentil for the croquettes?
A: Green lentils work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the spices. If you don't have green lentils, you can use brown lentils as a substitute. Avoid red or yellow lentils as they tend to become too mushy and won't hold the croquette shape as easily.
Q: Can I bake or air fry the croquettes instead of frying them in oil?
A: Yes, you can bake or air fry the croquettes for a healthier option. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush the croquettes with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly oil the croquettes, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How do I prevent the croquettes from falling apart during cooking?
A: If your croquettes are falling apart, it could be because the mixture is too dry or not mashed enough. Ensure the lentils are well-drained but not overly dry, and mash the mixture until it holds together but still has some texture. If the mixture still feels crumbly, you can add a tablespoon of water or a small amount of tahini to help bind it.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Make sure to check that the rest of your ingredients, such as the tahini and spices, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Q: How long can I store the croquettes, slaw, and sauce?
A: The croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The carrot ginger slaw is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. The tahini herb sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Q: What are some variations or additional serving suggestions?
A: You can customize this recipe by adding grated zucchini or chopped spinach to the croquette mixture for extra veggies. For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve the croquettes in pita bread or wraps with additional fresh veggies and the tahini herb sauce for a sandwich-style meal. Alternatively, pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete plate.
Q: What can I use instead of tahini for the sauce?
A: If you don't have tahini, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even plain Greek yogurt for a creamy alternative. Adjust the consistency with water or lemon juice as needed, and season to taste.
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